Can we please start with a brief introduction and insight into what brought you here?
I never actually had it as a first plan to come and study here in the Czech Republic, let alone the small town of Hradec Kralove. But I have a tendency to call this “the best mistake I have ever made”. Let me tell you why.
Initially, my plan was to pursue medicine in the UK. And after having a couple of promising conditional offers from there, I ended up messing my final chemistry exam, and thus missed out on achieving my predicted grades. This led me to come up with a back-up plan…and luckily that back-up plan was Charles University, the oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Central Europe. If it wasn’t for me messing up my final A-Level exams and missing out on the UK as an option, I would have never ended up here in what I now gladly call home.
This opened my eyes to a whole new culture and a whole new way of thinking. A culture that I would have never explored so deeply otherwise. Believe it or not, I have come to love Czechia and its people almost more than my very own! Some of the politest people I have ever met.
How do you see things after graduation, and what are your plans now?
Studying here at Charles University allowed me a perfect balance of simultaneously pursuing my side passions and projects while also studying. So for now, although having started my residency in Gynecology, I think I will be taking some time off to work on my side projects!
During my 6 years of study, I have managed to develop my love for filmmaking and travel, so much that I have managed to build a community and YouTube channel that motivates youth to go out and explore. Having travelled and seen quite a lot, I felt it was my duty to give back to the travel community and shed light on my very own nation for the world to see, which pushed me to start what is now Egypt’s largest tourism enhancing campaign! Our team has also just finished working on getting us affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism. So perhaps your next visit to Egypt will be guided by us!
Right after graduation, although yearning for a gap semester, I thought it would be best to dive right into the work environment while the information was still fresh. That’s when I started my residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology. University prepared me more than ever when it came to both theoretical and practical skills. It felt so natural assisting in surgeries and examining patients, in Czech. After three months of work and getting to know the medical world and knowing what to expect from it, I decided I needed a few months off to finally focus on my side projects and give them the foundation they needed to transform them into businesses. Here I am, working on my side projects, while planning out my future endeavours for my medical career. I feel like taking it easy and taking a step back was something I never knew I needed so much.
What first comes to mind when you hear „LFHK“?
My amazing life in the student dormitory of “Kolej Na Kotli” where I got to meet all kinds of people, both international and locals who continue to be some of the closest people I have ever met to date. Basically, I have managed to live the “exchange-student life” throughout my whole time here. I also remember all the hardships and sleepless nights that have shaped me into the strong, confident and independent person that I am today. If there is one thing I recommend to incoming students, or the students who have a few more years to go..MOVE TO DORMS! You get to live the real student life that you see in films!
What is your strongest experience associated with studying at the faculty? (Good or bad, something you remember distinctly)
Passing my histology final in first year, on the last possible date in September 2015, where I had to go through stress that I didn’t even know was possible to go through. Looking back at it, it is one of the most gruesome and traumatic experiences I have had to go through, but it is also the experience that forced me to become stress-resistant for the whole duration of my 6 years at university and perhaps even for life. It was also a testimony that this university by no means tolerates laziness and a passive mindset, but instead prepares you to always have a proactive attitude. I can’t say I learnt that lesson early on, but I definitely did towards the end.
What do you consider your greatest success so far?
Managing to live the student life I had always imagined when I was in high school and meeting so many people from all over the world who came here to do their Erasmus in English. I would also say the ability to manage two great businesses along with my studies and medical endeavours.
Hobbies, free time activities?
I love to travel, literally love it. It has broadened my mind in a way I didn’t even know was possible. I have a dream of visiting every nation on this planet. I must also express my affection for languages and people. Learning languages has helped me understand and communicate with so many cultures, many of which have left huge marks on me.
As I mentioned before, filmmaking and photography are great passions I have, and I hope through them, I can grow my YouTube influence to reach the whole Arab world and perhaps even beyond. I hope through filmmaking I can showcase my journey to every country on the planet.
In the times when I am not able to travel or explore new places and cultures for myself, I love to read, as it is a window to the world. It also gives me so much social intelligence that now I can literally have any kind of discussion with anyone.
I grew up with sports as an integral part of my childhood. During my studies I was still able to practice Squash on a professional player with an international coach at the Squash Centrum of Hradec Kralove. It is a sport I have been playing now for over 15 years.
I am a proud Egyptian and proud Muslim, and I feel that during my time here, although I didn’t always have the time for it, I was able to feel at home largely because of the huge community of Arabs and Muslims. And since spirituality for me is a life pillar that must always be in balance with my other aspirations, I have managed to keep it as an integral part of life, and when I didn’t the community here was able to hold me accountable.
I will leave you with this caption I wrote on the day I graduated:
“At 23 years, I don’t feel like I have fully matured yet. But, if I were to write an autobiography, one title that comes to mind is: “Do What You Can’t.” That idea encapsulates everything I have ever done. – Casey
You can’t travel the world…BUT, you can buy a backpack, give a crazy friend a call, and hitch-hike your way to your 67th country. 🌍
You can’t get free time while studying medicine…BUT you sure as hell can book the earliest exam dates and cram a 6-year course into a cumulative 3.5 years of study, the rest of which became travel time. ✈️
You can’t be a filmmaker AND a medical student…BUT you have a camera and so, you can. Next thing you know, your videos are airing on national television. 🎬
You can’t have a life while studying medicine…BUT you can move in and live the Erasmus life 3 years in a row, and make a family you never had. 👨👩👧👦
You can’t start companies at 17…BUT you get your smartphone, download Instagram, and before you know it you are running Egypt’s largest tourism enhancing campaign – @myegypt. This new generation of young Egyptians…What we all do nowadays, is we Do What We Can’t.
You can’t stay fit while studying medicine…BUT you sure as hell can meet a Pakistani coach in the Czech Republic, who still motivates you to play Squash professionally. 🏆
You also can’t learn new languages, it’s too late…BUT you have Google, and before you know it, and with the right mindset, you’ll be learning your 8th language. 📚
When you are a creator, all you need is your phone, an internet connection, an idea, and a determination to succeed. Sure, you will find some failure on your way, but be stubborn and continue, because it is also that which will take you to success.
So to my fellow creators I say: Keep creating, Keep doing the work. And never forget, you don’t have to listen to anyone. Because in this new world, no one knows anything.
“The haters, The doubters, are all drinking champagne on the top deck of the Titanic and we are the fucking iceberg.”
Do What You Can’t.
To everyone who’s ever told anyone with a dream they can’t.
This is for you.
What do you currently do and where?
I am currently a Specialist Trainee in Orthodontics in Torbay Hospital in the South West of England, ‚The Beautiful English Riviera‘, and commence the DDS in Orthodontics (Doctorate in Dental Surgery) programme at Bristol University in January 2021. I successfully gained this position through the highly competitive National Recruitment pathway.
How did things go after graduation?
Following graduation from CU MED HK, I entered general dental practice in here in the UK. After a couple of years general dentistry, I joined a specialist orthodontic practice and never looked back. Although I maintain my general dentistry skills and passed the Membership exams of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2015 (MFDS), my passion is in orthodontics. In order to study Orthodontics in the UK, one must gain entry via a highly competitive National Recruitment process. To strengthen my application, I have worked for the last 3 years in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in several hospitals completing what is called Dental Core training. Working within one of the largest Maxillofacial units in Europe ( Aintree University Hospital) and one of the largest Childrens Hospitals ( Alder Hey Children’s Hospital) have been the highlights of my career to date. I feel my education and training in CU MED HK has played an enormous role in preparing me for these very challenging posts. I will always be a proud ambassador of CU MED HK and I can say from personal experience that graduates of CU MED HK are highly respected and recognised here in the UK within the secondary care hospital service and private practice.
What first comes to mind when you hear „CU MED HK“?
I loved my time studying and living in Hradec Kralove. The Old Town has beautiful architecture and is full of history. When I think of CU MED HK, I have fond nostalgic memories. Firstly of the many parties and nights out with friends, the beautiful surrounding countryside, swimming in Silver Lake, walks in the forest with my dogs, and then of course the challenging studies which made me the mature and dedicated clinician that I am today. Every single Doctor and Teacher at CU MED HK is passionate about teaching and helping the students to become the best they can be.
What is your strongest experience associated with studying at the faculty?
My most vivid memories of my time at CU MED HK, are my Anatomy lectures and practical classes with Dr Prochazkova. She was and is still so passionate about her subject and she really inspired me to search for such satisfaction in my career, which I have found in Orthodontics.
What do you consider your greatest success so far?
My greatest success so far in my career is in gaining a Specialist Training post in Orthodontics. It is highly competitive and very difficult to gain such a post in the UK. Studying abroad at CU MED HK and the sacrifices I have made over the years have really helped me to become so determined and continue to achieve so much in my career. Being a graduate of CU MED HK for me is a badge of honour which I attribute to much of my success.
Hobbies, free time activities?
I enjoyed a lot of sport when I lived in HK. We organised a University football team and played against Olomouc University a number of times. I also joined a mixed martial arts/vale tudo school in HK at Skola, and still train in this sport in the UK to this day. I also enjoyed boxing at a local boxing club situated close to the faculty and continue to train in boxing. I enjoy triathlon and have raced in 3 Ironman triathlons including the European Championships in Germany in 2016.
What do you currently do and where?
I am currently working as an orthodontist in the private clinic. I also go as a specialist to other private clinic to see the orthodontic patients there.
How did things go after graduation?
For me, it went smoothly as my husband is also a practising dentist in India and since he had a patient in flow. I never waited for the patients but started off the work after joining the clinic.
What first comes to mind when you hear „CU MED HK“?
First thing, I could recall is my guide Dr. Hofman, who was a source of inspiration for me. I learnt a lot under his supervision and by observing his working skills. He focused a lot on my article work but I also equally learnt the clinical skills as I always noticed his expertise in the field of orthodontics.
What is your strongest experience associated with studying at the faculty?
Strongest experience of studying in LFHK has turned out to be a good one for me as I managed to write an orthodontic text book for the undergraduates, as recommended by Dr. Hubkova. Secondly, my articles added a lot of appreciation to me. The best of all is the article that is published in the European journal of orthodontics, which gave me a lot of credits and made me well known in the field of orthodontics.
What do you consider your greatest success so far?
My success is that I’m a well known orthodontist and a PHD graduated from LFHK, with a text book of orthodontics written by me for under graduates. My articles with the main article of orthodontics in European journal of orthodontics with a high impact factor. Further success was achieved as I received an award in India as the “Outstanding dentist of the India“, in the year 2015. I have attached a photo for the same in the mail.
Hobbies, free time activities?
I have many hobbies to add up. I enjoy teaching, painting, yoga and so on. LFHK was a place, where I went through a lot of hardships as I was away from my home country but it finally paid the fruits of wisdom and success to me. Studying in a foreign country really helped me learn a new language, (Czech: world’s 3rd difficult language), gave me a memorable experience of the lovely nature, interesting weather, yummy food and many unforgettable moments with lots of Czech friends and the best success which could be achieved as a ¨Sweet fruit¨ in the end.
My name is Ali.
I am a 26 year old Doctor currently working at King’s College Hospital, London, UK. I was very good at sciences from a very young age, and I wanted to make active changes in a high yield environment.
I have always heard about Czech Republic and how beautiful it is. I then learned about how prestigious and advanced the medical school is in Hradec Kralove and decided to apply. LFHK has offered me many opportunities to excel and thrive as a medical student then, and as a doctor now. I have travelled to Brazil and Lebanon as part of my clinical and research electives. The faculty has also facilitated my research experience at Mayo Clinic, with the necessary contacts and scholarship funding. I would advise students to use all the opportunities that LFHK has to offer. Everything counts if you would like to develop yourself and present yourself for future career opportunities.
Hradec Kralove is a very student friendly city. I really like how all the parts of the city are within walking distance of one another. It also has a very good location in the heart of Europe where it is really easy to organise car trips around the continent. In terms of communication, most people you get exposed to in the city have at least basic english. The first 2 years of medical school include Czech language courses in order to help with medical/non-medical settings.
LFHK University Hospital is one of the biggest hospitals I have ever seen. The doctors working there are very modest and eager to teach. They are all very friendly and want you to succeed. All of my pre-clinical and clinical years have been amazing. As part of our medical school program, I felt like we were exposed to more specialties than other medical schools including those in the UK. Hands-on experience starts early with opportunities for additional exposure in any specialty. I even got to practice on a Da-Vinci Robot machine which the hospital is equipped with.
I am currently a Clinical Fellow rotating in gastro-enterology, with previous rotations in acute internal medicine, cystic fibrosis, geriatric medicine, and Trauma & Orthopaedics. I think King’s offers a lot of opportunities for personal/professional growth. The transition was a bit tough the first few weeks as the system in the UK works differently than elsewhere. In addition to the clinical work, I have managed to work on multiple projects in different departments. I would recommend coming as an elective student to maximise your efficiency, streamline your work progress, and gain valuable contacts.
This year I will start my part-time Executive Masters in Healthcare Interventions at LSE. This program will enable me to acquire essential skills in the analysis of the treatment modalities and how to further tailor them to the local market. I was able to receive an unconditional offer with the help of my grades from the well recognised Charles University, together with the recommendations from Mayo Clinic and King’s College Hospital.
Hi, could you tell us a bit about yourself and what do you do these days? How did things go after graduation?
My name is Aarushi Sharma, I came to the Czech Republic from Cairo, Egypt to study General Medicine in 2012. I am currently working as a doctor at Vseobecna Fakultni Nemocnice (1LF) Prague and specializing in Internal Medicine.
Before that, I was working at a regional hospital in Mlada Boleslav, a small town just outside of Prague. I had applied for this job right after graduation and was easily accepted as they were in need to doctors at the time. The only requirement was to pass the Czech language exam with the Ministry of Health. After gaining some experience and improving my Czech I was able to apply at a faculty hospital, which was my aim all along.
Happy to hear that. What first comes to mind when you hear „LFHK“?
When I hear “LFHK” it brings back fond memories of the city, good times with friends and endless hours spent at EC/med library studying for finals 😄 It is where I have undeniably had the best time of my life – I have partied at clubs in the city which I’m pretty sure have now closed down, I have cried tears of joy when I finished my last state exam and I have had the chance to learn from some of the best doctors in the country to become the doctor I am today.
What would you say is your strongest experience associated with studying at the faculty? Good or bad, something you remember distinctly.
My strongest experience studying at LFHK would have to be physically examining a patient for the first time ever in 3rd year. It was the moment I realized how this truly was my calling and I haven’t looked back since.
That sounds like solid ground for your current and future work, that’s great. What do you consider your greatest success so far?
I think my greatest achievement would be mastering a foreign language (a VERY difficult one!) and singlehandedly securing a job at one of the best teaching hospitals in Central Europe. I am extremely proud of the fact that with no connections in the medical field, I have come this far purely based on my own resilience and hard work. And a lot of that I owe to LFHK as studying medicine has brought out the strong, independent woman in me ☺️
Mastering Czech along with medicine study is challenging for sure and your work achievements are also amazing, congratulations. How about when you need to take a break then? Some hobbies, free time activities your friends know you for? 😊
With hobbies and free time activities, I would say I absolutely love partying and going out with my friends. I have even kind of made it my side hustle 😂 I work for one of the biggest event organizers in Prague as a promoter.
But when I’m not working as a doctor or as a professional party-er, then I’m relaxing at home with my dog, watching movies or making some good food or trying to squeeze in a good amount of exercise.
Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové
Charles University
Šimkova 870
500 03 Hradec Králové
Czech Republic, Europe
Phone: +420 495 816 111
E-mail:
